There's another twist in the Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather super-fight saga

Dana White (centre) separates Conor McGregor (right) from Nate Diaz and is key in bringing McGregor and Floyd Mayweather together. Ethan Miller / Getty Images Former five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr may have confirmed that he is out of retirement and ready to fight mixed martial artist Conor McGregor — but the battle suddenly seems more distant than ever.

From Mayweather's point of view, the fight should be an uncomplicated negotiation as he is his own boss, runs his own promotional firm Mayweather Promotions, and can effectively guarantee McGregor a career-high payday.

McGregor, though, is contractually-bound to the UFC and can only gain clearance to compete against Mayweather from UFC president Dana White.

McGregor has openly campaigned for the fight since November 2016, when he became the only combatant in UFC history to win world championship titles in two weight classes at the same time after knocking out Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205.

Mayweather, meanwhile, appears determined to book a 50th fight — but, with only McGregor in mind, this could become one of the most protracted contract sagas of the year.